A unique and rewarding opportunity to:

• Apply your highly developed analytical, written communication and interpersonal skills, along with your strong expertise in complex problem solving.
• Contribute to the IGIS’ important role in Australia’s democracy.
• Be part of a highly supportive team environment with genuine part-time provisions available and where work-life balance is prioritised across the office.
• Work with highly experienced senior officials across the public service.

The Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is central to the independent oversight of the Australian intelligence and security agencies. The Inspector General is an independent statutory office holder with oversight of the activities of Australia’s intelligence and security agencies to ensure they act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives, and respect human rights. The work of the Inspector-General and his staff provides assurance to ministers, the parliament and the public that these agencies are using their powers as intended.

We are a small portfolio agency, proud of our contribution to the national interest. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset – we recruit and retain highly capable, motivated professionals with high levels of integrity and personal drive; and we invest in, and value, their development. Further, we offer a rewarding, positive, and inclusive environment, empowering staff to work flexibly in their contribution to the achievement of agency goals.

It is an exciting time for our office, as we undergo a period of change and growth. As a result of an expected expansion in our jurisdiction and new powers granted to intelligence agencies in recent years, the office is expected to grow to strengthen our capabilities.

The Complaints and Disclosures team supports the Inspector-General to respond to and investigate complaints and public interest disclosures made about intelligence agencies.

As a Senior Complaints Officer, you will manage and investigate complaints made about the activities of intelligence agencies, along with assessing and investigating public interest disclosures.

You will build and maintain productive relationships, along with educating intelligence agencies regarding best practice for handling public interest disclosures, in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act). You will contribute to the development of policy and processes to support the effective running of the Complaints practice.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for organised people who are able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, with excellent written communication and the ability to analyse and assess complex information. Our ideal candidate will also have good leadership skills and the ability to build effective relationships with people.

We strongly encourage all candidates who can demonstrate the relevant skills to apply. Experience in conducting fact finding, inquiries or investigations into sensitive or complex matters may also assist you in this role. This may include, but is not limited to candidates who have professional experience in the following areas:

• Legal
• Compliance, auditing or assurance
• Law enforcement
• Intelligence
• Social work
• Human resources
• Case work

Whilst an understanding of national security and intelligence policy and legislative frameworks would assist you in this role, we are highly interested in any candidate who has a desire to work in a productive, values-drive organisation and to achieve results.

Key responsibilities of a Senior Complaints Officer include:

• Actively manage a caseload of sensitive and/or complex complaints, public interest disclosures and inquiries concerning the activities of intelligence agencies, in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures
• Contribute to inquiries into complaints under the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (IGIS Act), including assisting with drafting compulsive notices, conducting compulsory interviews and drafting reports
• Contribute to investigations into public interest disclosures under the PID Act, including assisting with drafting notices, conducting interviews and preparing reports
• Use research and problem-solving skills to identify avenues to resolve complaints and public interest disclosures and assist the Inspector-General to conduct preliminary inquiries, inquiries and investigations
• Prepare high quality briefings for the Senior Executive on complaints, disclosures and public assurance matters.
• Develop and support relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including coordinating and delivering education and information activities that that meet stakeholder needs
• Monitor and respond to correspondence received from complainants, disclosers and the public
• Contribute to team policy and process development, including proposing and/or developing new policies and processes
• Provide leadership to APS 4 or 5 colleagues within the Complaints and Disclosures team

Essential requirements

• the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Positive Vetting clearance.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• a desire to work in a productive, values-driven organisation and to achieve results
• a positive attitude, energy and commitment to the objectives of the Office
• a collaborative and respectful approach to all aspects of your work
• the ability to conduct your work in an organised and flexible manner
• a commitment to support an inclusive and diverse workplace
• strong interpersonal skills, including excellent written and verbal communication
• the ability and aptitude to learn, develop new skills and show initiative.

Security, suitability and integrity requirements

• Citizenship - You must be an Australian citizen
• Employment Suitability Assessment (ESA)– Appointment to our Office depends on the outcome of an ESA.
• Security Clearance – Appointment and ongoing employment at the Office are subject to a Positive Vetting clearance being granted and maintained. You must be willing to undergo a security clearance vetting process at the Top-Secret Positive Vetting clearance level and must be willing to fully cooperate in the assessment process, including the timely provision of information and documentary evidence. Security vetting may take many months to complete and requires candidates to provide significant personal information to the vetting authority.

Positions at IGIS are positions of trust. In addition to the above, all IGIS staff are required to make annual conflict of interest declarations to support the independence and integrity of the Office.

The successful candidate must be located in Canberra or willing to relocate. The IGIS offers relocation assistance to new employees relocating to Canberra from interstate.

For further information, please review the Candidate Information Kit.

How to apply

Applicants are required to apply using the webform on the IGIS website by Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:30pm AEST